Skin

• skin - the body's largest organ, acts as a barrier against environmental hazards, helps regulate temperature, and enables sensory perception.
• Epidermis - The outermost layer, which provides a waterproof barrier and creates skin tone. It includes five sublayers: the stratum corneum, lucidum, granulosum, spinosum, and basale.
• Dermis - Beneath the epidermis, containing tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands. This layer includes collagen and elastin fibers that provide strength and elasticity.
• Hypodermis - (Subcutaneous Layer) The deepest layer, composed of fat and connective tissue, which insulates the body and absorbs shock.
• Infants and Children - Skin is thinner and more sensitive, making it more susceptible to irritants and infections. Common issues include diaper rash, eczema, and cradle cap.
• Adolescent’s - hormonal changes can cause increased oil production, leading to acne and other skin conditions.
• Adults - Skin starts to lose elasticity and moisture and may show signs of aging such as wrinkles and age spots. Sun damage and lifestyle factors become more apparent.
• Older - Adults Skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic, with a higher risk of bruising, tears, and pressure ulcers. Healing processes slow down, and there is an increased incidence of skin cancer.
• Erythema Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow.
• Jaundice Yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicating liver dysfunction.
• Edema Swelling caused by excess fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Pruritus Itching of the skin
• ·         Lesion Any abnormal change in the tissue, such as a sore, rash, or tumor.
• Macule A flat, discolored spot on the skin.
• Papule A small, raised bump on the skin
• Vesicle A small, fluid-filled blister.
• Ulcer A sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue.
• Edema Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues.
• Moisture Skin is dry to touch with no excessive sweating or oiliness.
• Color Even and consistent with the patient’s genetic background, with no unusual pigmentation.
• Temperature Warm and consistent across the body.
• Texture Smooth and firm with an even surface.
• Turgor Skin snaps back to its original position when pinched (indicating good hydration).
• Lesions Absence of lesions or presence of benign lesions (e.g., freckles, moles).
• Hair Evenly distributed, smooth, and resilient
• Nails Smooth, firm, and pink with a rapid capillary refill time (less than 2 seconds).
• Excessive dryness, which may indicate dehydration or hypothyroidism.
• Excessive moisture or diaphoresis, possibly indicating hyperthyroidism or shock.
• . Cool skin, which could indicate poor circulation or shock.
• Rough, scaly skin, possibly indicating dermatitis or psoriasis.
• tenting or tented = poor skin turgor
• common rash in infants - diaper rash
• diaphoresis possibly indicating hyperthyroidism or shock.